Former socialist minister Akis Tsohatzopoulos’ trial for defense procurements and money-laundering resumed on Wednesday following an adjournment last month. Former socialist PASOK prime minister Costas Simitis and the current socialist PASOK leader Evangelos Venizelos were invited to the stand to testify ahead of the five-membered Felony Appeal Court. Present at the hearing is his wife, Vicky Stamati, a tragic figure in the case.

The trial started with the testimony of Simitis who said that Tsohatzopoulos did not want investment programs to end. “Tsohatzopoulos did not want us to cut back on defence funds,” said Simitis. “Bribery could easily have taken place.” Tsohatzopoulos’ defence was enraged by this statement.

Simitis and Venizelos have been invited to testify at the request of Tsohatzopoulos who wanted members of the Government Council for Foreign Affairs and Defence (KYSEA) during the period from 1998-1999 to be questioned.

On May 20, even more high-level socialist politicians will attend the case, including former ministers Vaso Papandreou and Yiannos Papantoniou. Military officials and heads of the armed forces will be appear before court on May 27.

Simitis, Papandreou and Venizelos had appeared at the same court last month. The former comrades encountered each other with stiff handshakes and sombre greetings.

“Hi president,” said Tsohatzopoulos upon seeing Simitis.

“Hi Akis,” said Simitis.

His chat with Papandreou lasted longer, whereas Papantoniou was abroad and did not attend the proceedings.